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The US Department of State has approved a sale of Javelin Missiles and related equipment to Morocco for an estimated cost of $260 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a press release on Tuesday.
The possible sale includes 612 Javelin FGM-148F missiles, including 12 fly-to-buy missiles and 200 Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Units (LWCLUs).
This proposed sale is expected to support the «foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a Major Non-NATO Ally that continues to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in North Africa», DSCA says.
Moreover, the proposed sale «will improve Morocco's long-term defense capacity to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity and to meet its national defense requirements». Morocco will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces, DSCA added.
The proposed sale also includes missile simulation rounds; Javelin support equipment; hand and measuring tools; books and publications; power plus distribution equipment; component parts and support equipment; life cycle support and other technical assistance; gunner training; ammunition officer's training; System Integration and Checkout (SICO); maintenance training; Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM); and additional elements of logistical support, such as spare parts and technical manuals.
The FGM-148 Javelin is an American-made man-portable anti-tank system in service since 1996. Its main customers are Australia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and France. The weapon is currently proving its worth in the war in Ukraine. The unit costs around $78,000 dollars (784,017.00 dh).
For the record, in April 2023, Morocco ordered 18 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and related equipment from the USA for an estimated cost of $524.2 million.
